Parents

How do I keep up with the latest social apps?
What age should my kids be before they should be using social media app?
What should I do when other people post pictures of my child online without asking me first?

You will find the answer to this and many other questions by clicking the link below:

Many times our children do not see the long term effects of posting online. Not only will colleges be looking at kids’ social media feeds, but future employees may also be looking at them. Here are some resources for parents to begin having discussions with their children on how it can affect their future.

As kids become more independent, we want to foster their sense of responsibility and give them room to prove themselves. But it can be difficult to navigate this natural separation, especially when kids are doing who-knows-what on their devices. There are constant questions: Where are they? Who's contacting them? What are they doing online? Since tweens and teens are often tight-lipped about their lives, it can be tricky to get clear answers. Read more

Bark- kids and parents need to work together to hook up accounts to the service. It also analyzes all device activity and alerts parents when a problem is found. If they get an alert, parents will see the content in question and get suggestions on how to handle it ($9/month). (available for IOS and Android)

Circle Home - This app manages the Circle with Disney device, which pairs with your home Wi-Fi and controls all Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Can create time limits on specific apps, filter content, set bedtimes, and restrict internet access for the whole house or for individuals. Circle Go will let parents filter, limit, and track on networks outside the home Wi-Fi (the Circle device is $99, the Circle Home app is free, and the Circle Go service will be $9.95/month).

Limitly - If screen time and specific app use is your concern, this system might work for you. It lets you track your kid's app use and limit time using the device or certain apps (free, Android-only).

Pocket Guardian - Parents get alerts when sexting, bullying, or explicit images are detected on your kid's device, though you won't see the actual content or who it's from. Instead, the alert can prompt a conversation, and the app offers resources to help ($9.99–$12.99/month).

Trackidz - With this program, you don't see specific content from your kid's device, but you can track app installations and use, block browsers and apps, manage time in apps and on the device, block out device-free time, grant bonus time, track location, get an alert when your kid's phone is turned off, and see your kid's contacts. It also claims to detect cyberbullying by tracking when your kid's device use drops dramatically, which can indicate avoidance. Setting up a geo-fence lets parents track a kid's location and alerts them when a kid has gone outside the boundaries, and a kid can tap the power button to send an emergency message to parents (currently free, but will be $6.99).

VISR - For this one to work, a parent needs the kid's usernames and passwords, so be aware that it's easy for kids to set up dummy accounts. Once enabled, the tool analyzes posts and emails for bullying, profanity, nudity, violence, drugs, and late-night use and sends parents alerts when anything iffy is detected (currently free, but will be $5/month).

LIfe360 - Life 360 runs on your mobile device to allow you to view your family members on a map, communicate with them, and receive alerts when your loved ones arrive at home, school, work or other destinations. ( Basic Download for IOS and Android is free. There is a premium version that allows for monthly payments $4.99 or yearly $49.99)

Google Safety Center

• Family Safety basics : For busy parents here are some quick suggestions for how to help keep your family safe online. Read more..

• Keep your data secure: It’s important to teach your family good online safety habits so they can stay safe as they explore and use the web. Our expert partners have come up with a few simple tips to help you and your family do just that. Read more..

• Stay safe on the go: Before you give your teen a mobile device like a tablet or phone - or let them play with yours - talk to them about the kinds of sites they’re allowed to visit and what’s OK to share online. Teach them why it’s important to lock their devices with a password in case the phones are lost or stolen Read more…